WORLD CLASS COACHING: INTERNATIONAL COACHING

SEMINAR; KANSAS CITY - FEB 9th – 11th 2007

THE AWARENESS COACHING METHOD FOR SOCCER
A PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACH TO THE GAME
Developing Anticipation, Imagination, and “Awareness” in Your Players using the
Awareness Coaching Method
“Graphics are courtesy of SoccerSpecific.com; the best graphics I have come across for presenting
sports session plans”. Thanks to Soccer Specific for allowing me to use their work.

Presented by Wayne Harrison

AREAS OF AWARENESS
The Awareness process is having an awareness (an understanding) of all options available “before you get the ball”
and looking ahead of the ball (and getting the feet right to receive the ball), and once you get it to make the correct
decisions based on this prior and ongoing information. This is designed to help the player keep possession more easily
and not get caught and lose it.
Possession of it can then be broken down into “possession with few touches” (which is epitomized by the way
Arsenal in England plays the game using lots of one and two touch plays) and possession with many touches (such as
dribbling or running with the ball). This awareness before possession of the ball includes keeping the head up whilst
about to control the ball, knowing where team mates are, where opponents are, where the spaces are, but at the same
time keeping an eye on and possession of the ball.
On the other hand once the player has the ball, if they decide the right option is to dribble or run with this and thus
maintain possession of it themselves with more touches, then that brings in another type of awareness which is that of
what to do during possession and the ensuing maintenance of the ball, as opposed to an awareness of what to
do with it before receiving and as they receive it. Learning all types of awareness takes a lot of work, practice and
training.

We can further break down awareness to that “On the Ball” and also that “Off the Ball”.

“On the Ball” signifies the player about to receive it or who has just received it, “Off the Ball” refers to all the other
players who are not directly involved in possession of the ball, yet, basically the other 10 players on the field but
particularly those around and close to the ball who may be in the best positions to help the player on the ball. They need
to be moving into good open space to help the player about to receive the ball to help them keep possession by moving it
on quickly if that is the required decision.
So 4 areas of awareness; On the Ball Awareness before receiving, On the Ball awareness as the player receives it and
moves it on quickly using 1 or 2 touches only; On the Ball awareness if the player keeps it using several touches; and “Off
the Ball”, awareness of players getting open early to help the player On the Ball. This works if all players are in synch
and thinking ahead of the ball and not just the player on the ball.

Our focus here in this clinic is mainly Awareness On the Ball with few touches on it (the beautiful way
Arsenal in England play for example), moving the ball on quickly with one or two touches and being able to
psychologically think ahead and identify the next correct pass to keep possession. We will finish the clinic
by combining “Awareness On the ball with few touches” and Awareness “Off the ball” with two fast moving
themed games to link the two.

We are trying to establish the following in the players make up:

A. WHAT they do? (The technique or skill used; and what are the options to move or pass the ball
depending on the position on the field of play).
B. WHERE they do it? (Position on the field can dictate this in the decision making process).
C. WHEN they do it? (The timing of the technique or skill used).
D. HOW they do it? (The selection of the technique or skill used).
E. WHY they do it? (The tactical objective).
F. What is the END PRODUCT?

This clinic is presented by Wayne Harrison, Director of Coaching for Eden Prairie Soccer Club these past 7 years,
in Minnesota, USA. A UEFA "A" licensed coach, Wayne played professionally for Blackpool F.C. and in Finland for Oulu
Palloseura and previously coached at the professional level as the Director of Coaching for the Blackpool Football
Club's "Center of Excellence for Youth". In addition, he has Head Coached for a number of high level semi-
professional teams in England, including Accrington Stanley F.C., Bamber Bridge F.C., Lancaster City F.C.; Workington
Reds F.C. and Carlisle United F.C with their Academy. You can write to him at wayneharrison@soccerawareness.com
There is a book:” Recognizing the Moment to Play” written by Wayne that teaches this Awareness Training, available
from www.Reedswain.com. Wayne has 4 books published in total which are all shown here.

Coaching Style: The Coaching Style will be of a Command Nature due to the clinic situation with new players and a
limited time to do the clinic, but Question and Answer and Guided Discovery styles will be used where we are able.

Introduction
I first got the idea of this type of training when Alan Ball, (for the older ones amongst us who will know of him), whom I
played with at Blackpool Football Club in England when he joined us as player – head coach as he was winding down his
career. Alan Ball was a World Cup winner with England in 1966 playing 72 times for his country and who had a
distinguished career in England. He epitomized the one touch play this type of training develops, rather like Paul Scholes
of Manchester United, Fabregas of Arsenal, and Alonso of Liverpool do today. Bally actually used to say he only needed
HALF A TOUCH!! I believe him having seen him play (if there is such a thing)!!
The fact no one could get near him (because by the time you had closed him down the ball had gone) and he rarely lost
possession in games or in training even at 37 years old at the time proved that.
Alan Ball was my inspiration for this method of play, as was Eric Harrison who is referenced to later.

It has never been more important in soccer to be able to be good at this type of play as the game continues to get faster
and faster at all levels of play so decision making has to be faster too.

So, based on their simple concepts, I have developed the idea further that had lead to a book on the topic (Recognizing
the Moment to Play) and this coaching clinic.

Reedswain Testimonial for the book

This unique coaching program focuses on the development of each player’s soccer instincts: (Anticipation,
Imagination, and Awareness) through the use of specially designed training sessions. While this is quite possibly
the most important aspect of a players soccer development, it is also the most difficult to coach. In this book,
the author provides many practical exercises and small sided games to help players Recognize the Moment to
Play.

Reedswain will be publishing a 2nd edition of this book this year; it will have many new ideas on Awareness and
be presented in a 50 session plan format, over 240 pages of great reading and information on this important
topic.

Wayne currently has 2 Season Long Training Sessions Online with World Class Coaching for the
U11 age group and for the U13 to U14 age groups which will both be turned into books later this
year.

THE DECISION MAKING THOUGHT PROCESSES THE PLAYER IS GOING THROUGH AT ANY ONE
TIME IS AS FOLLOWS:

1. OBSERVING WHERE THE BALL IS COMING FROM.

2. OBSERVING HOW THE BALL IS COMING.
3. KNOWING WHERE THEIR TEAMMATES ARE.
4. KNOWING WHERE THE OPPOSITION PLAYERS ARE.
5. DECIDING “WHAT” SHOULD THE PLAYER DO WITH THE BALL. THE TECHNIQUE / SKILL TO
USE (EMPHASIS ON A GOOD FIRST TOUCH) - PASS, RUN, SHOOT, CROSS, DRIBBLE, DUMMY /
LEAVE. (NARROW THE LIST OF POSSIBLE OUTCOMES FROM ALL AVAILABLE OPTIONS).
6. OBSERVING “WHERE” TO PLAY THE BALL. (ASSESS OPEN SPACES AND SUPPORTING
OPTIONS ON THE FIELD).
7. DECIDING “WHEN” TO PLAY THE BALL. (TIMING OF THE TECHNIQUE / SKILL USED).
8. DECIDING “HOW” TO PLAY THE BALL. (SELECT A SPECIFIC SKILL TO USE).
9. DECIDING “WHY” A GIVEN CHOICE IS BEST. (COMPARE ALL OPTIONS WITH THE TEAM’S TACTICAL
OBJECTIVES).

PROGRESSION 1
DEVELOPING AWARENESS IN POSSESSION OF THE BALL THROUGH A FUN POSSESSION GAME
WITH A BALL EACH

This is a good Warm Up

1. Each of 12 players has a ball to play with. They must protect their own soccer ball but at the same time try to kick
someone else’s ball out the area. When your ball is kicked out you cannot kick anyone else’s ball out. You can vary the
game by allowing them chances, maybe up to three each before they are ultimately out of the game. When they are out
have them juggle the ball to keep practicing skills.
2. Play until the last player is left with their own ball still and everyone else’s ball has been kicked out. This player is the
winner.
3. Variations can be you have three areas of play they can work in. They start in one then if they are kicked out they go
to the next and so on, this way they get two chances but also you can have two winners in each group with an overall
winner at the end. Or you can just decrease the area they are playing in to make it harder as there is less space to work
in.
4. Coaching Points
a) Awareness of where other players are whilst maintaining possession of the ball ensuring players are looking around
away from their own ball not just down at it.
b) Dribbling and Turning,
c) Shielding,
d) Tackling,
e) Anaerobic Fitness work.
This is a practice that is fun but ensures relevant skills are practiced by the players.
PROGRESSION 2
A GAME WORKING ON AWARENESS IN POSSESSION OF THE BALL

1. There are 12 players in this clinic (it can be any number), 9 with a ball, 3 without. The 3 players without a ball have to
try and win a ball off a player with a ball and pass it to the coach. If a player has lost their soccer ball then they can join
in with the other players helping them keep possession by passing and support play.
EMPHASISE LOOKING AROUND, LOOKING OVER THE SHOULDER.
2. To make this competitive rotate the players so different groups of 3 work together, time each group to see who does
this in the quickest time.
3. This represents winning the ball and keeping possession in a game, rather than kicking it out of play and losing
possession again in a game.
4. The session develops from an individual 1 v 1 attacking / defending work out to a passing and support situation. You
can work on the defenders by encouraging them to work as a team, maybe in 2’s for instance to have a better chance of
winning the soccer balls. The defenders can pass the ball around between themselves until one can find the coach with a
pass. Attackers during this time can try to win it back before it goes out the area and keep possession.
1. This is showing the progression of the session where the defenders have won 6 balls and got 3 to the coach thus
maintaining possession if it were likened to a game.
2. Coaches can move around so the players have to have an awareness of where the coach is to pass to.
3. Coaching Points
Attackers with the ball –
a) Dribbling and turning practice,
b) Shielding the ball,
c) Moving and support play,
d) Quality of passing, players keep possession by passing between each other once one or more lose their ball.
e) Awareness of positions of both sets of players and where the spaces are.
Defenders without the ball –
a) Practicing defensive pressurizing skills,
b) Team work (in 2’s or more) to win the ball using supporting defensive skills – Angle / Distance / Communication,
c) Maintaining possession after winning the ball,
d) Awareness of the player to pass to (the coach or a team mate to get it to the coach),
e) Quality of the pass once they win the ball.
4. The essence of this game is it is fun and competitive for the players but it also provides a situation where they are
learning important skills.
5. Every ball won by a defender must be passed to the coach to show they have won the ball but also kept
possession of the ball. This teaches the players the importance of not just winning possession of the ball but also trying
to maintain possession after winning it. If the defending player passes the ball to the coach and it is not accurate and
does not get to the coaches feet then the attacker who had the ball gets it back to continue in possession. This ensures
quality of passing from the defender who has won back the ball in the first place.

6. Develop – Make it a two team game, one defends, one attacks, time each team as to how long it takes for them to
win possession of each ball and make a successful pass to the coach. The clock stops when all the 6 balls have been
passed successfully to the coach.
7. Now defenders need to have awareness too as when they win the ball they need to know quickly where the coach is to
pass the ball to and consequently be successful. So, whilst they are defending trying to win the ball they are also
watching the coach in their peripheral vision to see where he or she is.

PROGRESSION 3: OBJECTIVE: IMPROVING ONE AND TWO TOUCH PASSING MAINTAINING AN

AWARENESS OF WHAT IS “BEYOND THE BALL”

Another very simple way to help them do this as well as looking into each others eyes is, within the process of the
passing and control, the coach can hold his or her hand up periodically and show a certain amount of fingers for the
players to see and to call out the number shown. Developing this awareness off the ball is essential for the players to
learn to enable them to “see the field” in a peripheral sense. This is a very simple way of aiding this development.
1. Simple passing in two’s back and forth, first two touches, then one touch where possible. Coach can dictate the
distance between them.
2. Ask the players to look into “each others eyes” as they pass and NOT at the ball to see if they can keep possession
between them.
3. This will be difficult at first but it helps to teach them to look up and not down at the ball during games and hence
helping their “Awareness” development as players..
4. They should be able to see their ball in the “peripheral vision”.
5. Using both feet to pass the ball.
6. Competitive: Count how many passes they can get in between them during a given time.
7. Coaching Points:
a) Head Up (looking into the other players eyes)
b) Ability to look at the player AND see the ball also in their peripheral vision
c) Good first touch to set up the second touch / pass
d) Technique of Passing

PROGRESSION 4: OBJECTIVE: BASIC THEN PROGRESSED AWARENESS TRAINING IN THREES

This is a very simple idea with players in three’s passing the ball back and forth, focusing on good passing but also
starting to train the middle player to look over their shoulders before they receive the pass to see where the player they
are going to pass to is positioned. So they look away from the ball as it is traveling to them or as the passer is about to
pass the ball, all working in a split second. The conditions added ensure the middle player does actually look to see
where the next pass is going before they receive the initial pass otherwise they will get caught making the wrong
decision.
Coaching Points
a) Look over shoulder “before receiving” (where you are passing to).
b) Body Stance – half turned (can see behind).
c) Support at an angle.
d) Save a touch – let weight of ball determine this- let it run across the body and move one touch.
e) Always looking around developing your Awareness of other players positioning before, during and after receiving the
pass
1. Progression and Conditions: - Opposite player stays or closes the middle player down.
2. If closed down by the outside opposite player, the middle player passes back to the same player.
3. If not closed down the middle player turns and passes to the opposite player.
4. This identifies if the middle player has looked to see where the player behind them is, “before” they receive the ball.
5. If (3) closes down on (2) as (2) receives the ball, and (3) then determines to turn and to pass the ball to (2), this then
shows that (3) has not looked to see where (2) is because (3) has turned to pass which is the wrong decision. If (3) had
looked first then the correct result would be (3) passing back to (1) if (2) closes (3) down.
PROGRESSION 5: TWO TEAM SET UP

1. Coaching Points:
a) Head up (awareness of the arena and the players in it).
b) Looking before receiving to receive and turn; to see who is free, to see where other players in the area are, to see
where the space is to take the ball.
c) Body position open to receive,
d) Focus on the first touch and where to take the ball; for more touches or maybe a one touch pass if it is available.
e) Concentrate on the quality of the pass to the outside receiver.
2. One team inside, one team outside. A ball is with each outside player to begin.
3. Pass to an inside player who receives and turns and finds another outside free player with a pass. Then look to receive
from another outside player.
4. The outside player receives and moves the ball side to side until another inside player is free to receive a pass. This
ensures all the players are working both inside the grid and outside it.
5. Competitive: Have each player count the number of successful passes they make in a given time and see who
makes the most. Observe and comment on those who try to do it too quickly and loss control of the ball and lose the
momentum of the session (for example they rush the pass, it is not accurate and the receiver ends up running away
retrieving the ball which wastes precious time).
6. Change the practice to all soccer balls starting with the inside players. These players now look to pass and receive a
give and go from an outside player.
7. Rotate the players so both teams have the chance to play in the middle of the grid.
8. Move both teams to the middle; divide the grid into two with each team passing to their own team within their own
grid area keeping teams separate to begin.

AWARENESS CHANGEOVER SESSION

1. Inside team a ball each, look to find a free outside team player and pass to them. Outside player brings the ball back
in, inside player moves outside the zone waiting to receive a pass from someone else.
2. Set up second touch with a good first touch. Awareness of whom is free to pass to.
3. Coaching Points:
a) Quality first touch of outside player.
b) Decision making of inside player in terms of when and where to pass and technique (quality) of pass.
4. The Coach can create conditions:
a) Get a turn in or dribble before passing.
b) All in (many) touches, 3 then 2 touches.
c) Play 1- 2 with inside player then go outside.
d) Do a crossover with outside player rather than make a pass.
5. Inside player passes to outside player and closes down quickly simulating a defensive movement, the receiver has to
make a good first touch away from the pressure i.e. to either side of the pressuring player.
6. it’s a good session because everyone is working but they get short intermittent rests, so maintaining quality.
7. Develop: Start with one ball per team then go to two balls each team, players on the outside have one touch but can
take two if needed if players on the inside have not made an angle for them to receive the ball back inside the area. Two
touches on the inside. This speeds up the decision making on the inside and outside particularly as previously the outside
players could control it and wait until an inside player was available; now they can’t. And so now the inside players need
more awareness to help the outside players too. Hence as one is passing to the outside, another inside player must be
looking to support the next pass back inside.
8. Competitive: Have each player count the number of successful passes they make in a given time and see who
makes the most.
PROGRESSION 6
DEVELOPING AWARENESS “BEFORE” RECEIVING THE BALL: TWO TEAMS PLAYING “THROUGH” EACH
OTHER

Divide the players into two teams, a ball each team, passing and moving in the same area passing through each
other, but not playing against each other. Each team can’t take the other team’s ball.

This is an incredibly simple exercise but one I watched a famous Youth coach, Eric Harrison at Manchester
United do many years ago at an FA Symposium with Beckham, Scholes, the Neville’s and Ryan Giggs to name a
few famous players he developed through the youth academy. He told us he used this for his warm up every
day to develop his player’s awareness on and off the ball.

Technical/Tactical Design
Lots of touches on the ball are achieved in this practice.
a) The players must play with their heads up (so they view what is around).
b) Look over the shoulder before receiving the ball.
c) Body stance open to receive the ball.
d) Move the ball on the 1st touch away from pressure and into space or towards where you are passing it or
one touch transfer if that pass is on.
e) Awareness of teammates positions on the field in advance.
f) Awareness of opponents positions on the field in advance.
g) Passing to space to move players into a better position on the field
h) Passing to feet.
i) Turns / dribbles / 1t / 2t, free play.
j) Communication (key words).
k) Support Angles / distances to help the player on the ball.

Develop
a) Increase the number of soccer balls per team.
b) Pass to opposite colors. Below we have several balls being passed.
c) Progress to an overload game, for example 3 v 3 v 3, before going to an equal numbers two team game
of possession.
PROGRESSION 7
IMPROVING AWARENESS “BEFORE” RECEIVING THE BALL THROUGH A SIMPLE NUMBERS
CONDITIONED GAME

1. The numbers game FORCES the players to look before they receive by the very condition placed on them.
There are 6 Players and only 1 ball to begin. Players must pass in sequence i.e. 1 passes to 2; 2 passes to 3;
3 to 4 and so on to 6 who passes to 1 and we begin again. You can have player’s static to begin as easy
introductions to the theme then have them passing and moving. In a roster of 12 players 2 groups of 6 can
do this in different areas separately to begin.
2. Player receives from the same person and passes to the same person each time. This develops great
awareness of time, space and player positions. This is continuous work on and off the ball. Awareness of:
where the player you receive from is and where the player you pass to is. Because of this players begin to
anticipate the pass to them and where it is coming from. Also they must look to where it is going to (where
is the player they are passing to?).
3. We are trying to create a situation where players are looking two moves ahead not just one. For instance
as (1) is about to pass to (2), (3) should be looking to support (2) for the next pass already, looking two
moves ahead before the ball leaves (1). Likewise, (2) should already know where (3) is to pass to.
4. Peripheral Vision Development results from this.
5. Develop: Use two balls then three balls at the same time. Start with a ball at (1) and (5) then at (1), (4)
and (6).To keep the sequence going players must move the balls quickly with few touches hence their
peripheral vision development improves dramatically. As soon as they have passed one ball off the next one is
arriving so quick thinking is needed to make the correct decisions.
6. Coaching Points:
a) Awareness of where the player to receive from is before receiving the pass
b) Getting into position to help the passer make a successful pass
c) Awareness of where the player to pass to is before receiving the pass
d) Open Body position to receive the pass to enable a resulting one touch pass if necessary
PROGRESSION 8: SEMI – COMPETITIVE AWARENESS NUMBERS GAME: PASSING IN SEQUENCE

1. Now have 2 teams passing separately 1 to 6 in “each team”, with a ball each team in the same area.
The example shows the passing of the numbers team, of course players will be moving but for the simplicity
of the idea I show it this way.
2. Develop:
Count the number of passes each team get in a certain time frame adding a competitive element to the game.
Who can get the highest number of passes made in a given time frame?
3. Emphasize:
a) Movement “off” the ball to open up angles for passes between other players.
b) Communication verbally between players to help them identify where they are; passing player can call
who they are passing to, receiving player can ask for the pass.
c) Ensure players spread out throughout the area to have them playing both long and short passes.
d) Encourage fewer touches on the ball at each reception to move it around the field more quickly helping
players develop good transitional play. The actual game is played so quickly now they have to develop this
talent as well as having good individual dribbling and turning ball skills.
PROGRESSION 9
WORKING ON PERIPHERAL VISION “BEFORE” RECEIVING THE BALL THROUGH THE SPECIFIC
PERIPHERAL VISION COACHING GAME

A 40x30 area is organized as shown in the Diagram below. Six players are used within the activity. Repeat
the setup to accommodate the entire team.

This is a simplified set up to get initial understanding. Increase numbers as previously e.g. two teams of six. We started
earlier with one ball and six players for example so each person on the ball had five choices of pass to make and that
was easy.
Now we must identify one and only one pass and must try to make it. That pass is to the person who runs outside
the zone. This player is the free player (unmarked). The session goes as follows and numbers are used only as a
reference only, the players can pass to anyone, in any order, but always looking for that vital run by a player to the
outside area:
1. Player (1) runs outside the area (perhaps after several passes within the zone).
2. Player (2) on the ball sees the run and must pass to (1).
3. As (1) is about to receive (as the ball is traveling to him or her) (3) moves into a position to support (1) showing
anticipation and awareness.
4 (3) has already seen the run by (4) and passes. (4) Brings the ball back in and the game continues, (4) passes to
(5) who has moved into position in anticipation and (5) passes to (6) who also has done the same. This is an indicator
of how quickly players recognize the run and consequently make the pass.
5. Hence players are beginning to look one and two moves ahead of the ball. It doesn’t need to happen so quickly in
terms of the next player running outside but it serves as an example. The run can be likened to a penetrating run into
the attacking third where the player hasn’t been picked up or tracked and is in a great position to attack and score if
the passer sees them and makes that pass.
6. Coaching Points:
a) Decision: Movement of the player running out of the area to initiate the move
b) Observation of this movement or run by this player by the other players
c) Observation by the one player receiving the pass as this movement of a run outside the area is taking place
d) Decision by this player to make the one pass they need to the outside player
e) Quality of Passing: A one or two touch pass to the outside player for speed of action to show the run was spotted
f) Weight of pass to the next passing player so they have the choice of making a one touch pass if they have seen the
run
g) Observation of the receiving player on the outside of the runs of others to receive the next pass
h) Support Positions: Other players already making movements to help the receiving outside player have options to
move the ball quickly with good support in terms of angles, distances and timing.
SPECIFIC PERIPHERAL VISION COACHING SESSION
Further development, ideas and ideals of this practice leading to the introduction of defenders as opposition but in an
attacking overload situation.
1. Within the zone there are many choices of pass but as soon as a player makes the run outside that is the pass to
make. Coach can determine the tempo of the game e.g. to avoid too many running out at the same time the coach
can signal to an individual player to move out without the others knowing so only one at a time goes out.
2. Once the free player is outside and waiting for a pass see how many passes are made inside the zone before
someone sees the right pass i.e. to the outside player. This is an indication of which players play with their heads up
(and hence have good peripheral vision) and which don’t, (hence have poor peripheral vision or even none at all).
3. The fewer touches on the ball the player needs to get the ball there the greater their anticipation of the run. (One
touch is the ultimate aim to develop where as the ball is traveling to the player, at the same time another player makes
their run out; they see the run and make the pass at the same time).
4. More touches means more reaction time needed and in a game situation this may mean the player being caught in
possession before they get around to making the pass.
5. Initially the coach may see several passes made within the area whilst a player stands and waits outside until
someone sees them; this will happen less and less as you practice and as the players improve their peripheral vision.
6. The exciting part of this is when the coach sees one of their players make the right pass quickly in a game situation
due to the work they have done in this session.

1. Here we have two teams playing in the same area, player (5) passes to player (3). Player (2) as the ball is traveling
runs outside the area, player (3) has to see this movement and make the next pass to that player. If (3) makes it with
a one touch pass that is excellent as it shows they have seen the run as the ball is arriving and made the quickest pass
possible to get the ball to (2). Player (2) then brings the ball back into play and the passing sequences start again.
2. Likewise player (E) on the other team passes to player (D), player (C) runs out of the area and the set up
continues.
PROGRESSION 10
GAME SITUATION (WE WILL USE A 2 TEAM GAME HERE FOR EASE OF TRANSITION BUT AN OVERLOAD THREE
TEAM GAME CAN OFTEN BE A BETTER PROGRESSION MOVING TO THE TWO TEAM GAME EVENTUALLY).

1. A two team game for ease of transition in this clinic with limited time (you can use neutral players to make it easier
to work initially it is always best to begin with an overload situation to help them make it work). Five passes a goal.
The winner is the team who scores the most 5 pass - goals, you may do the first to score ten goals.
4. Develop: Include running out of the area in the game and if a player does this and receives a pass successfully
they get three goals for it. Defending players can’t track them outside the area.
5. This will encourage players to make outside runs as there is a reward and it will also test the players on the ball as
to their peripheral vision and how quickly they identify that particular run. This must happen in less than 6 seconds
though and if after a short time the player does not receive a pass then they come back into the game.

6. Player (3) makes a run out of the area as (1) passes to (2). (2) Sees the run and passes and scores 3 goals. (3)
Brings the ball back in and the game continues.
7. You are looking for players to anticipate where (3) needs support and move into position to help.
8. Other players need to move off the ball to get into open positions for the first pass or in anticipation of the next
ones.
9. You can also reward a one touch pass with a goal to encourage quick play..

PROGRESSION 11: QUICK TRANSITION DIRECTIONAL PLAY

OBJECTIVE: DEVELOPING AWARENESS USING QUICK TRANSITION DIRECTIONAL PLAY
Another session that can be used often and the emphasis of the session changed. The focus of an individual
session using this game could be:
1. Focusing on the 1 v 1 confrontations in the game; or:
2. Focusing on the “Quickness of transitional play” so making it two touch, focusing on the players “ON” the
ball as they receive it and try to move it quickly forward; or:
3. Focusing on the players “OFF” the ball, emphasizing their movement and positioning OFF the ball to
support the player ON the ball; or:
4. Focusing on the defending team and how they counter the opponents.
These are just four ideas you could use. Whilst I try to cover all the possibilities in the Coaching Points section
to this session, as the coach you can focus on each of these as one topic only in an individual session rather
than try to get all the information covered in one session. Perhaps do four sessions developing each idea then
a fifth session bringing it all together.

1. Quick continuous attacking play which is good for anaerobic fitness. Here the players are breaking one
way passing to an outside player and switching positions, inside player out, outside player in then attack the
other side of the zone.
2. Coaching Points a) Technical ability on the ball in 1 v 1 situations.
b) Quick Transition in attack - As the transition between players happens for example (3) changes with
(5), the numbers team must get the ball to (4) as quickly as possible.
c) Observe the movement of (1), (2) and (6) in terms of their support positions as the directional change
takes place, they must move in anticipation to find space to help the player on the ball as the switch occurs.
d) Observe also, as the change occurs, the positions of the defending team; has the decision been made
quickly enough who presses the ball. Are the other defensive players supporting and covering and especially
tracking runners off the ball. The coach must learn to look away from the ball and observe what may happen
next before it happens.
e) This session improves quick decision making, tight control because the spaces are small to play in, and
thinking in advance due to the switch in direction of the play. You can also work on the defending players.
f) Progression: If a player beats an opponent in a 1 v 1 situation the team gets an extra point or goal each
time.
1. Here (3) passes to (5) and (3) leaves the area. As the ball is traveling to (5), (1), (2) and (6) must get into
a position to help (5) as early as possible so in theory, (5) can make a one touch pass to any or all of them.
Thus (5) already has three options of a pass.
2. Their movement is OFF THE BALL and away from their markers.
3. Of course the defenders will move to compensate but for the sake of what I am trying to show it is easier
to get the point across by showing the movements of the attacking team only.
4. The attacking players in the actual practice may get free like this anyway if they time it correctly.

1. The attacking players each being free to help (5) by being open for a pass.
2. (5) May elect to run with the ball but at least three are three options available for a pass if needed.
3. (5) May even elect to play a long pass straight to (4) on the other side of the field if the pressure from the
closest defender is not fast enough. You may then ask the closest player (in this case player 2), not
necessarily the passing player (5) to be the switching player instead if (5) passes it directly to (4).
4. You could even then work on defending in this game though focus on defending totally in the session or
attacking totally in the session it is better not to try to do both as it can be confusing for the players..

1. Here (3) does pass to (5) and they switch positions, and plays a quick pass to (6) who passes to target
player (4) who scores another point and this player (4) has to quickly attack the other way again.
2. You could argue that the best place to dribble is in the opponents half but this being a small area you
could encourage players to do it all over the field but also making them aware of the safety and risk facts if it
were a game situation.

PROGRESSION 12
TEACHING AWARENESS AND MOVEMENT “OFF THE BALL” THROUGH THE TRANSITION
DIRECTIONAL TARGET GAME
1. Rules:
a) Players must pass the ball to their target players to score. To score again they have to work the ball back
into their own half of the field to be able to return.
b) Target players have two touches as do side players.
2. Coaching Points:
a) Creating Space by running off the ball to receive or to help a teammate receive.
b) Quality of Passing; long and short to targets and to teammates.
c) Support play: working angles and distances incorporating switching play using the side players.
d) Receiving and Turning in tight situations and dribbling in 1 v 1 situations.
e) Quick decision making is required in this session because the numbers are small, the area tight and the
transitions rapid.
3. Develop: a) No restriction on touches then 3, 2 or 1 touch, but only if it is on to do one touch.
b) All outside and target players have one touch only where possible
c) switch with target players as they receive the ball.
d) Switch with outside players

1. Here is an example of the transition and movement off the ball to make it happen.
2. (2) passes to target player (8) who brings the ball back into the playing area.
3. (3) makes a run into the other half of the field on the blind side of (C) to receive the next pass. They need
to get the ball into that half to be able to score.
4. (1) makes a forward run into space to receive the next pass off (3) and passes to target player (7) who
can start the play again.
5. (1) switches with (7) and becomes a target player for the next phase of play.
6. Observe the Attacking Team – Recognize their movement off the ball for example to work the ball into
their own half see if the players make runs early in there as soon as the ball is at a target, some should
support short and some long so the target has choices.
7. Observe the Defending Team – see if they are sucked to the ball or they recognize runs off the ball
and track players making runs away from the ball into the other half.
8. To lessen the workload and keep everyone involved have players switch with targets and outside side
players when they pass to them.
9. Elements of play the target game teaches
Attacking as Individuals and as Team
a) Creating Space by running off the ball to receive or to help a teammate receive.
b) Developing quick support play working angles and distances incorporating switching play using the side
players.
c) Passing long and short to targets and to teammates.
d) Receiving and turning in tight situations and dribbling in 1 v 1 situation’s.
e) Lots of touches on the ball for the players in this practice.
f) Quick decision making is required in this session because the numbers are small, the area tight and the
transitions rapid.
Defending as Individuals and as a Team
a) Pressurizing players on the ball to regain possession.
b) Supporting pressuring players and tracking runners off the ball.
c) High pressure to regain possession in the attacking half to be able to go straight to the target to score.
Transitions from defense to attack and attack to defense, quick decision making and improved
concentration as the switch occurs. Interchanges of positions between inside players, targets and side
support players.
As a coach you can work in this session how to defend properly as individuals and a team or how to attack
properly as individuals and a team.
Conditions to impose to change the focus of the game
1. No restriction on touches then three, two or one touch but only if it is on to do so.
2. Introduce neutral player so a 5 v 4 overload in the middle if possession isn’t kept easily.
3. Interchanges of players outside to in, inside to out as they pass the ball observing the quality of the pass
and the first touch of the receiver or performing a crossover.
4. Have one teammate at each end so you are attacking both ends but once you have passed to one target
you keep possession and must try to get to the other target. You can’t go back unless the opposition win the
ball and then you get it back, only then can you go back to the same target.
5. To lessen the workload and keep everyone involved have players switch with targets and outside players
when they pass to them. This causes a constant transition of players and focuses the player’s concentration.
6. The team can only score if they get an overlap, crossover or 1 – 2 in during the build up.
7. No talking so players have to rely on their own vision to play.
8. Players move into the target zone to receive (timing of run and pass) so we don’t play with actual
targets, different players can then become the target player.
9. Man – Marking – Have the players man mark so they must track a player when they haven’t the ball and
they must lose their marker when they have the ball. This is a good test to see who is working hard and who
isn’t as they have a designated job to do. You as a coach can see who works to get free of their marker and
who works hard to prevent the player they are marking get the ball.
10. This session is particularly good as a midfield play practice session as you can liken the start when the
ball is at a target as it being a target defender passing it in and to get to the other side through midfield to the
other target who is now a striker. Then this target player maintains possession and the team can go the other
way, the target striker then becomes a defender for the attacking team starting the move and the other target
becomes the striker to pass the ball to. So it is consistent movement end to end with the attacking team from
a defender into midfield to a striker.
11. To improve the speed of thought reward a successful one touch pass with a goal or point. To score a
goal by passing to the target player now reward this with three goals or 3 points.
12. The team in possession can pass back to the opponents target players to help keep possession of the ball.
Liken this to passing back to the keeper in a game situation.

GETTING IT WRONG DEFENSIVELY AND / OR GETTING IT RIGHT OFFENSIVELY

1. This is an example of what to look for on the defending side of things.
2. Here the ball has been passed to the target (8) and a goal scored. The defenders are ball watching and not
seeing the runs “off the ball” of their opponents.
3. The idea of getting the ball back into the other half before they can score again when in possession
highlights these kinds of moments you need to identify in a game situation.
4. (1) plays the ball to target (8) to score. (2) Supports the next pass short and at a wide angle, and (3) and
(4) make runs into the other side of the field and off the ball to get free and receive a pass. Defenders are all
ball watching and not looking at these runs and so (3) and (4) get free. At the same time you can say it is
getting it right offensively.
5. The coach has to identify these situations and stop the game and show the set up and ask the defending
players what they need to do.

Things to Identify and Coach

Offensively
1. Lack of movement off the ball of the players in both halves of the field.
2. Poor quality of the passing.
3. Awareness of the players identifying correct decision making of when and where to pass.
4. Poor Communication to help each other.
5. Poor angles and distance of support and lack of variation of these concepts (long; short and wide are
needed so lots of options)
6. Mentally slow change from attack to defense when possession changes.
Defensively
1. Not seeing movements off the ball of the players on the team in possession of the ball and not tracking
these runs.
2. Ball watching allowing players to get in behind them.
3. Not pressing the ball quickly enough.
4. Working too much individually and not as a unit.
5. Mentally slow change from defense to attack when possession changes.

PROGRESSION 13
DEVELOPING TEAM PLAY THROUGH A DIRECTIONAL TWO TEAM AWARENESS GAME EMPHASIZING
AWARENESS AND MOVEMENT “OFF THE BALL” THUS HELPING THE PLAYER “ON THE BALL”

1. Coaching Points:
a) Awareness of where own players are and where the other teams players are before you get the ball
b) Awareness of where the spaces are to move into before you get the ball.
c) Quality of the First Touch: First touch into the path you are taking to get the ball to the outside player or one touch
transfer if possible
d) Support positions of teammates off the ball
e) Playing through the other team in the opposite direction testing positional ability
f) Directional movement as in a game
g) Everything done at pace.
2. Example above of playing through the midfield with another inside player to reach one of the targets.
3. Each player takes one touch to take the ball in the direction they want to go and the second touch is a pass to the
next player.
4. It may be a one touch pass that is needed depending on the distances involved. It may be they need more touches
on the ball because no one is immediately available to receive a pass. Or you may condition it that they need to do a
dribble of some sort in the middle before they pass to the next player. There are many variables you can introduce to
suit your needs from the clinic.

1. Encouraging players to look ahead of the play. Here (7) passes to outside player (3) and another player (5) is
supporting (3) for the next pass, working a triangle of support.
2. (3) Needs someone to pass to and to help (3) make a one touch pass quickly, (5) has already moved as shown and
got into position to receive and do this.
3. As (5), who is receiving the pass from (3), gets into an angled support position ensuring their body is open, he or
she has to have these things in mind before they receive the pass;
a) Where is the space to go to in order to receive the pass from (3)?
b) who is free at the other end to make the next pass to (so is already looking before the ball arrives)?
c) Where is the space to take my next touch (if it open it could be towards the player they are about to pass to), or can
I pass it one touch to (1) or (2) on the other side? Here (5) decides to pass to (2) and (6) is already in a position to
support (2).
 SWITCHING POSITIONS WITH THE OUTSIDE PLAYER

1. Now to involve everyone in the middle have the players switch positions when they
2. Pass to an outside player. (7) Passes to (3), and (3) then takes the ball back in with a good first touch to then
look to pass to another player and get the ball to the other side.
3. Likewise (D) receives from (H) and runs the ball into the middle to continue the movement, and (H) runs out of
the area to be an outside receiver. (D) Then passes to (A) player and switches with them.

PROGRESSION 14
GAME SITUATION

1. Now we take the session into a game. It is a 4 v 4 game.

2. The inside numbered players work with outside numbered players and score by completing a pass to the outside
players. They then have to get the ball to the other side to score again. Inside Letters players work with the outside
letters players so teams play in opposite directions.
3. GAME: Play to 10 goals then rotate the players so all players get the chance to play.
4. Rotate the teams.
5. Here the number team have scored one goal at one end then switched the play to the other end by quick
and accurate passing to score another goal.

GAME SITUATION SWITCHING WITH OUTSIDE PLAYERS

1. Developing the idea with outside players switching with inside players on scoring a goal with a pass.
2. Progression: Introduce scoring a goal by making a successful one touch pass within the game to encourage
the players to think quickly and make instant decisions when they receive the ball.
3. Have outside players switching positions so when they receive the pass it is to a moving player and not one
stood still. This is more passing to space than to feet, to where the players is going to on the outside as they switch
with their teammate.
PROGRESSION 15: COOL DOWN: OBJECTIVE: DEVELOPING PASSING AND SUPPORT THROUGH THE
DIRECTIONAL PASSING AND SUPPORT THREE ZONE GAME
RUNNING WITH AND WITHOUT THE BALL
LONG PASSING

1. You can use various numbers of players at each end of the grid in this sequence.
2. Pass and move in own grid until eye contact with a player in the other grid (or a call) then play a long pass to that
player. Balls are constantly changing grids; players have to have awareness in their own grid to receive but also
awareness of when a pass is on from the other grid (must have head up and be constantly looking around to see this).
If they don’t observe where their own teammates are or those in the other grid are, they won’t be successful with this so
they must play with their head up and have the ability to look away from the ball as well as at it, observing all the
options that are on both in their own grid and the other one.
3. Conditions – Ball can’t bounce between grids for chipped or lofted passes, or must be driven along the ground with
pace for quick passing.
4. Develop Running with the Ball across the grids. Pass and move within own grid then a player picks a moment to
run and takes it.
5. Keep balance of balls in each grid. Can start with one in each; try to avoid two in one grid at once. Increase to two
balls per grid.
6. Long pass then follow the ball (supporting the pass) into the other grid so not only balls being transferred but also
players. Players must move as quickly as possible to support in the other grid.
7. Coaching Points:
a) Awareness of the positions of players in both grids thus ensuring the players have their heads up to see the pass when
it is on to do it.
b) Movement off the ball to make themselves available in both grids to receive a pass.
c) Quality of short passing in one grid and long passing into the other grid.
d) Depending on the theme, the development of awareness of when and where to pass, to run with the ball, to make a
movement off the ball (third man run for example), to receive and turn with the ball, and so on.
RUNNING WITH THE BALL

8. The skill practiced here is specifically running with the ball, still identifying passing and moving options but also looking
to make a run when the time is right.
9. Coaching Points for Running with the ball
a) Head Up – look forward
b) Good first touch out of feet, 3-4 touches maximum, not dribbling.
c) Run in a straight line, the quickest route.
d) Running Style, use the front foot to control the ball using the laces.

PASSING THEN SUPPORTING THE PASS

This is like a player passing into a striker and receiving the pass back (one touch if possible for quickness of transition)
and then running the ball forward into the attacking third.
THIRD MAN RUN DEVELOPMENT

1. Third man run development – A player makes a run into the neutral area between the grids; a player on the ball
must see this quickly and pass to the player making the run. Try to drop the ball in front of them to run onto. Running
player then takes ball into other grid and at the same time this is happening another player goes the opposite way. Start
with one ball in each grid and build up.
2. Progression – the type of runs to be made, straight or diagonal runs. Diagonal passes and straight runs, and
diagonal runs and straight passes as above or diagonal runs and diagonal passes. Equate the situation with how to make
it difficult for defenders in a game to mark players who make different types of runs. Here above, (F) Passes to (E) but
continues the run forward, (E) passes back to (D) who passes into the path of (F) continuing the forward run.
3. If a player makes a run and doesn’t receive a pass then they work their way back into their own grid. Relate the
move to a player making a forward run, they don’t get the pass, they work back, draw a defender with them and then
another player makes the run into the space left to receive a through ball.
4. Receiving and Turning – a player moves out the area and positions side on at an angle to receive and turn
(looking before receiving) and take the ball to the other grid. Same happens on the other side.
5. Coaching Points:
a) Timing of the 3rd man run off the ball into space
b) Observation of the run by the player on the ball
c) Pace, accuracy and timing of the pass in front of the receiving player
PLAYING GIVE AND GO’S

1. Give and Go’s (Movement in two’s) - A player moves into the neutral zone (with a third man run off the ball) and
another player on the ball passes to them. The passer then follows and receives a pass back (a 1– 2 move) and then
passes the ball into the other grid, both players move into the other grid and join in. On entering, the existing players
in this grid must balance things up and look to break in twos the other way as soon as possible.
2. Progression: Introduce a defender in each grid. This is now a 4 v 1 and only one ball per grid.
3. As the number of players involved increases so increase the number of balls used so at times two players can be
making moves across the free space from the same grid at the same time, hence there is constant movement between
grids. The players will get good at passing and moving and being able to look beyond the ball and at the same time
making quick decisions the more they practice this session.
INTRODUCING DEFENDERS

Up to now there have been mainly NO OPPOSITION GAMES, SHADOW PLAYS to allow players to develop
anticipation, awareness, vision and imagination regarding passing, receiving, support and composure on the ball to name
just a few of the many aspects of play this helps develop, we can now introduce DEFENDERS to add pressurizing
situations to test the players.

1. Introduce defenders to put the players under pressure when they pass or run the ball across the middle of the field.
2. It can begin with 2 defenders, then 3 defenders to make it more difficult where defenders can intercept passes or
tackle players with the ball.
3. Use this at every stage of the work out as the players get good at it. This would include:
a) passing across the area,
b) running the ball across the area,
c) third man runs,
d) passing then support the pass,
e) playing give and go’s,
f) receiving and turning, and so on.
4. This is taking the session to a more competitive level with defenders included now. Now the players not only have to
focus on passing, running and supporting in their own zone, and into the other zone, they have to see where the
defenders are to get past them.
5. If a defender intercepts the ball they switch quickly with the player whose pass was intercepted.

Conclusion

These are just a few ideas of many ways you can begin to teach your players the essentials
of Awareness on and off the ball.

This concept is an increasingly important part of the game that players have to
Develop to be able to improve their play and better maintain possession of
the ball during the ever increasing pace of the game..